Definition of debate

• v. t. - To engage in combat for; to strive for.
• v. t. - To contend for in words or arguments; to strive to maintain by reasoning; to dispute; to contest; to discuss; to argue for and against.
• v. i. - To engage in strife or combat; to fight.
• v. i. - To contend in words; to dispute; hence, to deliberate; to consider; to discuss or examine different arguments in the mind; -- often followed by on or upon.
• v. t. - A fight or fighting; contest; strife.
• v. t. - Contention in words or arguments; discussion for the purpose of elucidating truth or influencing action; strife in argument; controversy; as, the debates in Parliament or in Congress.
• v. t. - Subject of discussion.